Periodontal Disease

The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.

Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Researchers are determining if inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease affects these systemic diseases and conditions. Smoking also increases the risk of periodontal disease.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease:

Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.

Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).

New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.

Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.

Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.

Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.

Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.

Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Testimonials

I will start with a story. I was scheduled
To leave Tahoe to visit family on Monday.
Sunday late afternoon I broke a tooth. Horrible pain!!! When I called the emergency number Paul picked it up. Not a recording or service, HE! Picked up, met me within 30 min.

More. I hate Dentist, needles drills.. All of it. I don't know how but I had no pain. Maybe the gas. It was over in a flash. No Pain..!!

RM Farnsworth.

Oh! He called me a day later to see how I was doing. The best DDS alive.

Randy F.

Dr. Stigers and the entire staff were amazing. They truly were miracle workers helping us out while on vacation. We tried contacting several dentists in Tahoe, but being the Friday before the 4th of July weekend, they were the only ones who called us back and set us up with an appointment that same day. I was in incredible pain with what turned out to be a need for a root canal. Dr. Steiger quickly took care of it and set me up with a follow up appointment to finish up. Honestly, I'm considering switching dentists and coming up here for all of my dental needs!